[2004] UGCA 12

[2004] UGCA 12

The court found that the taxing officer's award of UGX 10,000,000 as instruction fee was manifestly too low given the novel and precedent-setting nature of the constitutional petition. The court held that while the taxing officer has discretion, such discretion must be exercised judicially and consistently, taking...

Source-derived case information.

Citation
[2004] UGCA 12
Parties
Applicant: Zachary Olum & Another; Respondent: Attorney General
Court
Court of Appeal of Uganda
Jurisdiction
Uganda
Case Number
Civil Application No. 1/04
Procedural Posture
Taxation Reference / Reference From Taxing Officer's Decision
Outcome
reference allowed in part
Legal Topics
Taxation of Costs, Instruction Fee, Constitutional Petition Costs, Judicial Discretion, Costs Consistency
Source Language
en
Civil Procedure Constitutional Law Taxation of Costs Instruction Fee Constitutional Petition Costs Judicial Discretion Costs Consistency

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Parties

Zachary Olum & Another

Applicant

Attorney General

Respondent

Procedural Posture

Taxation Reference / Reference From Taxing Officer's Decision

  1. 1 Whether the instruction fee awarded by the taxing officer was manifestly inadequate in the circumstances of the constitutional petition.
  2. 2 Whether the taxing officer erred in law by disallowing instruction fees for opposing preliminary objections.
  3. 3 Whether the taxing officer erred in law by disallowing costs for drawing up the petition and supporting affidavits.

Ratio Decidendi

The court found that the taxing officer's award of UGX 10,000,000 as instruction fee was manifestly too low given the novel and precedent-setting nature of the constitutional petition. The court held that while the taxing officer has discretion, such discretion must be exercised judicially and consistently, taking into account the complexity, importance, and expenses incurred. The court increased the instruction fee to UGX 20,000,000 and awarded UGX 10,000,000 for opposing preliminary objections, finding that these were reasonable in the circumstances. The court also allowed reasonable costs for drawing up the petition and affidavits, as well as making necessary copies, which had been...

Court Disposition

reference allowed in part

Orders

  • The taxing officer's total award of UGX 10,537,500 is set aside.
  • Instruction fee increased to UGX 20,000,000.